Lennon Ruffles, 10, captured the hearts of the public with his determination to live a fun-filled life despite suffering from numerous complex medical conditions requiring care around the clock, including being registered as deaf and blind.

He died despite the efforts of surgeons on Thursday last week (August 3).

A statement from the Walkern family, including sisters Isla and Florence, dad Ian and mum Nikki Lancaster, said: "Words cannot begin to describe the pain we are feeling."

It also expressed pride in the courage of their "little soldier".

More than £21,000 was raised by Lennon's Fund, supported by the Mercury, enabling the family to provided a soft play area for Lennon, a specially adapted bike and eye gaze computer to help him communicate.

Ian said: "Numerous people raised a lot of money for us, not just in our little village but the surrounding area. It was massively beneficial.

"We were quite touched how everyone came together to help.

"We knew he may not have a long life, so we made his short life as full as we could."

Lennon's experiences included a trip to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix last month, when he was taken around the pit lane and met some of the drivers, and a trip to Disneyworld, thanks to a charity.

"We never thought he would be able to leave the country, never mind as far as that," Ian said.

"We will treasure that."

Ian added: "People got behind it because Lennon had a lot against him, but it doesn't stop you enjoying life. We tried to give him as fulfilling a life as possible.

"A lot of people said it inspired them to make the most of what we have got."

A pupil at Amwell View School in Stanstead Abbotts, Lennon was rushed into the Lister Hospital on Tuesday last week (August 1) after suffering a seizure and had to be put on life support after his heart stopped.

He was transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge to undergo surgery on his bowel but it was found that nothing could be done to save him.

Lennon died in the early hours of Thursday and has been moved to Keech Hospice, where he has been dressed in his page boy outfit.

In 2015 he won the most courageous young person category at the Mercury and Observer Community Awards, receiving a signed cap and special video message from Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Former editor of the Mercury, Julie Palmer, presented Lennon with his award at Hanbury Manor.

She said: "Lennon touched our hearts at the Mercury from the moment we first spoke to Nikki and Ian.

"I am extremely saddened by this news, he had such a lovely family and it was a pleasure to have had him as part of my and the Mercury's life.

"He was a brave, wonderful boy and my thoughts and prayers are with his family now.

"May he rest in peace."

Preparations for Lennon's funeral are being finalised, but it is expected to place later this month.